Use the 3Ps Approach For Interview Success
| Are you preparing for an interview?
Are you wondering what the secret of interview success is? Don’t just leave it to chance! The best way to be sure that you do a good job interview is to follow the 3Ps approach. So what does that mean? Simple.
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Preparation
One of the most common mistakes made by interview candidates when they are getting ready for an interview is…well, they simply fail to do enough preparation! And believe me, it really shows!
There are two kinds of preparation that are essential.
Firstly, find out as much as you can about the job, the company, the field of work. Read through the job description in detail and tease out exactly what they are looking for. Also research the company and the sector – you can use the internet for that. Then when they ask what you know about them, you will have some interesting facts at your fingertips. It also shows that you are willing to put some effort into the job application process and this can really help you stand out from the crowd
Secondly, you must prepare yourself. This means reviewing what related experience you have had and planning specific examples to show when you have put the skills they want into practice. Think through the typical interview questions (you’ll find some examples on this page) that are likely to come up and make sure you have answers ready!
It is also really important when you are preparing for an interview that you prepare your attitude. If you go in assuming you will fail, you put yourself at a real disadvantage. Remember, they will not interview you if they think you are not a good match for their needs. They already believe in you, so you can too!
Presentation
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Much of the impact you make at a job interview comes from the way you present yourself. If you let you nerves show, give one word answers and spend the whole interview looking at your hands, you will not make the best impression.
So it really is worthwhile when you are preparing for an interview to practise things like shaking hands confidently. Imagine yourself looking the interviewer in the eye as you respond and remember to smile! Put your preparation to good use by giving clear responses to the questions asked, using the evidence you have planned in advance. |
And remember, you want this job, don’t you? Then let your interest and enthusiasm shine through. A bit of energy in the way you present yourself will make all the difference to the outcome of your interview.
And how you dress for a job interview is important too. Make sure you are smart and tidy, but think about the job you are applying for and dress appropriately. If it is a job as a care assistant, you probably don’t need to wear a suit – just a smart, coordinated outfit will be fine.
Take care not to be so overdressed that you feel awkward and uncomfortable – you need to think about putting yourself at ease too by wearing an outfit that fits with who you are. If the job requires you to dress in a way that feels very unnatural to you, are you sure it is the right job for you?
Practice
You are maybe thinking that there is not a lot of point preparing for an interview – maybe you think you are just no good at them. Well if you haven’t had many interviews, don’t necessarily expect to be perfect first time round. I bet you fell of your bicycle a few times before you got the trick of balancing!
Remember the old adage, practice makes perfect? It really is true and it applies to interviews too! So make sure you practise answering some typical interview questions before you go in to the interview. Make a list of possible questions and get a friend to ask them. Or if that feels awkward, just rehearse your answers in front of a mirror to see how you come across. Watch out for funny mannerisms like fiddling with your tie or jewellery!
Remember that you really will improve at interviews with practice, so if you have an unhappy experience, don’t blot it from your memory. Think it through afterwards and work out where you got stuck. Then you can learn from your experience and perform better next time.
So next time you find yourself preparing for an interview, remember the 3Ps approach. Apply this formula and you will be well on your way to interview success.
And now read on to discover more successful interview strategies…
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